Planning your boat to Gili Islands trip from Bali?
Let’s cut through the chaos and get you on the right ferry — fast, safe, and within budget.
This side trip to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno is one of the best escapes from Bali, especially for families. It’s peaceful, car-free, and full of postcard-perfect moments — but getting there can be confusing if you’ve never booked a boat to Gili Islands before.
I’ve done the research (and made the mistakes), so you don’t have to.
This is your practical, dad-style guide to doing it smartly, based on our actual trip planning for April 2025.
Why Padang Bai Is the Best Port for a Boat to Gili Islands
Sure, you can catch a boat from Sanur or Serangan — but if you’re looking for a fast and direct boat to Gili Islands, Padang Bai is your best launch point. It’s closer to the Gilis and offers the most options, with travel times around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Faster, cheaper, and more frequent departures — that’s why most travelers choose Padang Bai.
Popular Companies Offering a Boat to Gili Islands (2025 Prices)
After checking multiple operators and websites (some sketchy, some not), here’s what I found as of April 2025:
Eka Jaya Fast Boat
- Large, stable boats — a solid choice if anyone in your group gets seasick
- Price: IDR 300,000–550,000 one way
- Friday Promo: 20% off bookings made on Fridays
- Reliable and well-known brand
Wahana Gili Ocean
I compared both of their official sites recently for an April 25 booking:
- wahanagiliocean.com – IDR 350,000 per adult
- wahanavirendra.co.id – IDR 330,000 + 6% tax (~IDR 350,000 total)
They’re basically the same in cost. Website quality is average, so verify carefully.
BlueWater Express
- Premium operator with excellent safety and service
- Price: IDR 985,000 (adult) / IDR 885,000 (child)
- Booked out weeks ahead — it was already full when I tried for April 25
- Best for early planners or luxury travelers
Ostina Fast Boat
- Budget-friendly and decent reviews
- Price: IDR 295,000 (adult), IDR 275,000 (child)
Gili Gili Fast Boat
- Price: IDR 550,000 (adult), IDR 450,000 (child)
- Slightly higher cost, but doesn’t necessarily offer better boats than Wahana or Eka Jaya based on photos
Other players like Wijaya Fast Boat also operate but aren’t as widely reviewed.
For an extra layer of safety, check reviews on Bali.com’s fast boat overview — a helpful and trusted local resource.
How to Book Your Boat to Gili Islands (4 Easy Methods)
1. Travel Booking Sites (e.g., 12Go Asia, Klook, Direct Ferries)
- Easy comparison and online payment
- Downside: Sometimes unclear which company you’re booking with
2. Direct on Operator Websites
- Possible promos (like Eka Jaya’s Friday deal)
- Can be confusing if the website is low quality or not secure
3. Local Travel Shops in Bali
- Can offer same-day deals if you negotiate
- Be cautious: Not all agents are transparent — get receipts and check spelling carefully
4. Trusted Community Contacts
- Booked mine through a contact in the Korean travel community via WhatsApp
- No deposit, paid directly at the port — surprisingly smooth
Real Booking Tips: How I Scored Our Boat to Gili Islands
After a week of comparisons, here’s what I found:
Deal 1: Eka Jaya’s Friday Promo
- 20% off when booked on Friday
- Final price: IDR 440,000 per person
- For four people: IDR 1,760,000
Deal 2: Wahana via WhatsApp
- Community contact shared Wahana’s legit booking link
- Paid just IDR 300,000 per adult — no deposit
- For four: IDR 1,200,000 — best value, known boat, and no stress
Deal 3: Klook’s Super Cheap Offer
- Price: IDR 281,250 per person
- But no boat company named, and pickup details vague
- Decided it wasn’t worth the uncertainty for our family
Boat to Gili Islands: Our Cost Comparison Table
| Option | Total (4 People) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Klook (Unknown Company) | IDR 1,125,000 | Cheapest, but unknown operator |
| Wahana (WhatsApp Deal) | IDR 1,200,000 | Trusted contact, known boat |
| Wahana (Official Website) | IDR 1,399,200 | Slightly more, requires prepay |
| Eka Jaya (Friday Promo) | IDR 1,760,000 | Big, stable boat, online booking |
Quick FAQ: Boat to Gili Islands
How long is the boat ride?
1.5 to 2 hours from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan.
Best company for families?
Eka Jaya for stability, Wahana for value.
Can I bring luggage?
Yes. Most boats allow two bags per person.
Is seasickness common?
Yes — especially in windy weather. Bigger boats help, and motion sickness pills are a good idea.
Should I book early?
Yes — especially during holidays or long weekends.
Is there a port tax?
Yes. Bring IDR 10,000–15,000 cash per person for port fees.
Related Reads for Budget Travel in Bali
Planning a full family trip to Bali like we did? Here are two helpful guides from our blog:
- Travel Budget Bali: Our 18-Night Family Itinerary Under $5,000 (Pre-Trip Plan)
See how we mapped out our full trip — including Bali and the Gili Islands — for under $5,000 NZD for a family of four. - Bali Hotel Price Guide: How We Scored an Incredible 18-Night Stay Under $1080 (Family Edition!)
Real hotel picks that balance comfort, location, and price — all under $100 per night for four people.
Final Travel Tips: Your Boat to Gili Islands Checklist
- Book early — especially if using premium boats like BlueWater Express
- Verify boat company before confirming third-party bookings
- Travel light and bring small cash for port fees
- Plan return trip in advance — boats fill up fast
- Confirm if hotel pickup is included
Ready to Ride? Choose the Right Boat to Gili Islands
From premium comfort to budget bargains, the boat to Gili Islands experience is what you make it. For our family, it was about finding that sweet spot between value and peace of mind.
Whether you’re using a contact, a promo code, or a booking app, now you’ve got the tools to choose smart — and enjoy every minute once you’re on that island breeze.
Let me know if you want a printable version of this guide or have questions about which Gili Island is best for families.